Job DescriptionScientist - Food Safety (Willmar, MN)Hormel Foods Corporation To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time. About Hormel Foods - Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin's®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized on Fast Company's list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, received a perfect score of 100 on the 2023-24 Corporate Equality Index and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement - Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ - to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops and validates safe food processes. Conducts microbiological challenge studies using pathogenic bacteria to validate various food processes, and to develop microbiological methods used in the laboratory. Manages multiple projects of various degrees of difficulty, contributes to portions of more complex or technical projects as part of a larger team and will lead complex projects requiring cooperative involvement from suppliers and various plant, live production, and corporate resources. Plan, conduct and analyze tests unsupervised. Complete data analysis, evaluation, and conclusions and is competent in presenting recommendations in written and oral formats. Identifies, facilitates, devises, and conducts research in microbiology for validation of pathogen interventions/processes, establishes product processing requirements, develops new microbiological methods, and implements new or updated processing requirements for the company. This involves working closely with other R&D Scientists, Group Leaders, Quality Control, Live Production, and Production personnel to properly design and layout the project per the specific requirements and conduct literature reviews in the area of interest. Initiates, coordinates, and designs research on cutting-edge rapid microbiological testing procedures and pathogen intervention strategies. Ensures company policies and applicable state and federal laws are followed. Makes certain that all solutions are properly labeled, properly stored and that current material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available for all the chemicals used in the laboratory and ensures that all chemicals and infectious wastes are disposed of in compliance with current OSHA/EPA/MNPCA/ MN State laws. Incumbent collects, analyzes, evaluates, translates data, and communicates results that will lead to improved, innovative, and creative applications to support the company goals and objectives. Ability to troubleshoot equipment as needed. The incumbent serves as an expert in one or more areas of science and serve as a consultant for problem solving and provides technical and scientific advice and instruction. Investigates, recommends, and evaluates opportunities to improve farm-to-fork food safety, as well as in the microbiology laboratory. Fulfills the role of technical service and scientific advisor for assisting in solving problems or providing advice when dealing with specific questions or challenges on an as-needed basis. The ideal candidate will be able to seek input and gain buy-in for implementing solutions. QUALIFICATIONS: Required
- A bachelor's or master's degree Meat Science, Poultry Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Experience with manufacturing processing equipment and/or with verification/validation of that equipment.
- The ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team-environment.
- An understanding and application of scientific and microbiology principles, and the ability to work with mathematical calculations. Strong analytical, time management, and record keeping skills.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with ability to effectively present technical concepts to a nontechnical audience.
- Must also have 12 months of experience with each of the following:
- Designing and conducting research projects focusing on pathogen reduction and food safety
- Applying technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities related to food safety
- Testing and validating the efficacy of pathogen intervention strategies in a meat processing environment
- Reading, interpreting, and implementing USDA FSIS regulations
- Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
- Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.
Preferred
- A Master's Degree in Meat Science, Poultry Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Prior experience with raw and ready-to-eat meat products.
- Ability to manage and achieve positive results in areas of food safety, productivity, product quality, and cost.
- Application of scientific and microbiology principles, and the ability to work with mathematical calculations. Strong analytical, time management, and record keeping skills.
- Designing and conducting research projects focusing on pathogen reduction and food safety
- Testing and validating the efficacy of pathogen intervention strategies in a meat processing environment
- HACCP knowledge and processing experience with food processing equipment.
LOCATION: Willmar, MN TRAVEL: Requires up to 30% travel. A comprehensive relocation package to the Willmar, MN area will be offered if needed. BENEFITS: Hormel Foods offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus bonus, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, non-contributory pension, profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid vacation. For immediate consideration, send apply online at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.